broker or apartment locator service in NYC (rental, credit check)

[kngn]

In California it's not very common to use an apartment locator or a broker. Is it necessary to do so for NYC? is it easier? better to use those services?

thanks!

[henry1]

Yes and it saves some much time going through a broker service than trying to do it your self..Like yourself i came out from the Modesto Area of Ca and found it made my life so much easlyer by going through the broker service ..

[kngn]

oh hmm...interesting. i wonder why these services are not popular in california. Seem's like it's very popular in texas

[kngn]

what are the main advantages and disadvantages of using a broker or apartment locator? i know very little about these services.

[jds2001]

A broker will probably have listings at lower prices than you would otherwise find. Of course, you pay for the lower prices in the form of a broker fee up front, but it probably works out in the end saving you money.

Also, if you need an apartment quickly, a broker can certainly help (make sure that you have all required documentation when you go meet with the broker - tax returns, last 2-3 pay stubs, W2 forms, bank account statements, etc). Renting in NYC is unlike renting anywhere else in the country. You may not need ALL of these things, but you will need MOST of them.

[henry1]

Originally Posted by jds2001

A broker will probably have listings at lower prices than you would otherwise find. Of course, you pay for the lower prices in the form of a broker fee up front, but it probably works out in the end saving you money.

Also, if you need an apartment quickly, a broker can certainly help (make sure that you have all required documentation when you go meet with the broker - tax returns, last 2-3 pay stubs, W2 forms, bank account statements, etc). Renting in NYC is unlike renting anywhere else in the country. You may not need ALL of these things, but you will need MOST of them.

No truer word have been spoken about renting in the NYC and it was a very stange trip to rent in the City compared to other places where you go in and do the rental paperwork and get your credit check and first and last month rent and then you get the keys to the place ..